Women in Kerry and Cork are waiting up to five months for results of cervical smear tests through the public health system. The delay is over four times that experienced in April 2001 when around 31 days was the average turnaround time.
The Southern Health Board has confirmed a current backlog of 7,034 cases.
Although smears classed as urgent get reports back within seven to 10 working days, the delay in all other smears is causing extreme anxiety among women, doctors say.
The main cytology service where smear tests are carried out is located at Cork University Hospital.
The Bons Secours and Mercy Hospitals carry out a smaller percentage of screening.
Last year, 24,250 smears were received at CUH, up almost 6,000 on the previous year.
"The laboratory staff at CUH are currently working out of hours to reduce the waiting period for reporting cases. However, the number of smear tests submitted by GPs continues to increase," said Tony McNamara, General Manager with the SHB. He was responding to questions by health board members Ms Kathleen Lynch TD and Mr John Dennehy TD.
Mr McNamara said the marked increase in cervical smears is the result of increased awareness of the importance of cytology to early detection and early diagnoses.
But combined with the loss of a key member of staff due to illness, this has led to a huge backlog and to the current average 5-month delay.
Ms Kathleen Lynch TD, said most women who go for smear tests go because they are worried about something.
"Then to have to wait five months must be hell on earth." It was typical of the Government's approach to health care she said, putting in place an awareness campaign, without the proper systems in place.
In order to adhere to Department of Health guidelines, the SHB was providing additional staff and training, Mr McNamara said.
Funding has been secured for three additional medical scientist posts and a lab assistant and recruitment is about to commence.
"However, due to the lack of trained personnel nationally, appointees without previous experience will be required to undergo external and internal training for a period of 18-24 months before they are considered competent to screen cervical smears," he warned.